hi. the ativan is not quite as potent, mg per mg as the xanax. i think it also lasts longer. on the plus side, ativan is preferred to xanax for agitation, calming down manic and/or psychotic people, etc. that's why the psych people have it in injection form. xanax...i forget why exactly, but its often a booster treatment for those dealing with depression.

if your benzodiazepine use is going to be a daily thing, maybe ask about xanax xr? if i recall correctly, its just one pill for all day coverage. tapering is still rough.